The Bellman
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The Bellman: May 2017
May 2017
603.436.9109 | www.northchurchportsmouth.org
Carolyn’s Corner
The year was 1577, Sir Francis Drake was about to embark on a year long journey that
would result in his being the second person (after Magellan) and the first Englishman to
circumnavigate the world. But on December 13, 1577 as he left the safe harbor of Portsmouth, England, he did not know exactly what the voyage ahead of him would entail and
so as he began this voyage into the vast unknown, Sir Francis Drake wrote this prayer:
Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
Disturb us, Lord, when
with the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.
Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wilder seas
Where storms will show Your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask you to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push back the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.
This we ask in the name of our Captain,
Who is Jesus Christ.
Here at the North Church of Portsmouth (New Hampshire) we have been voyaging as a
church into the changing waters of our culture for almost 350 years. We have seen a lot
of transitions and change. As we make decisions in the weeks and months ahead, may
we continue to dare boldly and move into the future in strength, courage, hope, and love.
Blessings,
Carolyn
The Bellman
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May 2017
June Worship Schedule
Schedule
All Worship services in May begin at 10:00am,
at the Parish House.
May 7 - Fourth Sunday of Easter/Blessing of
the Ditty Bags (Seafarer’s Friends)
Scripture lessons: Acts 2:42-47; John 10:1-10
Sermon: “Abundant Life”
The Sacrament of Communion will be celebrated
May 14 - Fifth Sunday of Easter
Scripture lessons: Acts 7:55-60; 1Peter 2:2-10
Sermon: “Stumbling Stone or Living Stone?”
May 21 - Sixth Sunday of Easter
Children’s Sunday
Annual Meeting Following Worship
May 28 - Seventh Sunday of Easter
Guest Preacher: Maren Tirabassi.
Rogers’ Mission Project
This year, the Church School is
going to try to purchase a well
through Heifer International.
Their goal for the well is $300. If
they succeed, remaining funds will go to first
an irrigation pump ($150.00) and then to a
“Bountiful Harvest” ($72.00). This is our 7th
year and the children enjoy the concept of
“passing on the gift.”
Mark your calendars for Children’s Sunday,
May 21, 2017 at Spinney Rd.,during worship.
Our last Sunday at the Parish House Chapel
is June 11 and will be followed by the all
church picnic. On June 18 we will begin our
services at our downtown Market Square
location, through Sunday, September 3.
Study Leave and Vacation
Rev Carolyn will be out of the office May 2-4.
Carolyn is the Vice-Chair of the national
board of the Association of United Church
Educators, and she will be attending the
New England Region AUCE Conference in
Swanzy, NH. She will be on vacation at the
end of the month, May 22-29.
ProPortsmouth Children’s Dayand North Church!
ProPortsmouth Children’s Day is Sunday,
May 7, from noon ‘til 4:00 and we are excited
to be taking part in this downtown event
again this year. It is not too late to volunteer
to act as a host at our MSQ Sanctuary that
afternoon. You can speak with Jenny Shaw,
Liz Good or Rev Carolyn for more details.
Learn about ProPortsmouth Children’s Day
here: http://www.proportsmouth.org/
Membership Committee will be working to
fill open spots for our Slate of Offices. Please
consider serving your church. Deb Jones and
Jenny Shaw will be calling you.
Also, on May 7th it is Pro Portsmouth Children's Day from 12-4pm. We will be opening
our doors for steeple tours and children's activities centered on our beautiful stain glass
windows. There is a volunteer sign up at the
Parish House.
MEN’S
BREAKFAST
May 17th-8:00 am
Café Espresso
All Welcome!
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May 2017
Stewardship Corner
At this Critical Time, Are You All In?
Saturday, April 8, the Stewardship Committee officially
kicked off its annual campaign with a ham dinner prepared by Rick Mason followed by a game of “Match
Game” hosted by David Greer. It was a great evening
that enabled us to get together, engage in friendly conversation, and share some laughs.
We also took a brief, serious moment to discuss our theme for the year “All in for North Church”,
which serves as a rallying cry to members, encouraging them to commit to North Church as never before—with their time, effort, and financial contributions.
At the time of this printing, Commitment Sunday will have already taken place, and hopefully
many of you filled out your pledge cards with a generous figure that’s within your means. If you
haven’t submitted your pledge yet, we ask that you evaluate your situation honestly, thoughtfully
and prayerfully, knowing that your monetary commitments can make a real difference.
We are in a period of transition at North Church. A search for a full-time pastor is well underway.
We’ve lost a few dear members recently, yet new membership has leveled off for some time. To
maintain operations, we continue to draw from our endowment, which won’t be there forever. If
ever there was a time for us to be “all in” as a congregation—and step up our commitment to
North Church—it is now.
We look forward to reporting our pledges to date in the next issue of the Bellman, and listing the
names of dedicated North Church members like you.
Your Stewardship Committee,
Martha Labbe
Craig Hodgson
NCW Annual Luncheon
May 9th • 11:00am
The North Church Women will have their annual luncheon at the
Portsmouth High School prepared and served by the Culinary Dept.
It is always a time for good food, fellowship and fun. There is a signup sheet on the board at the Parish House. Please sign-up by May
1st. The cost is $16.00, but NCW will pay $10.00 and each guest will
pay $6.00-payable to Betty Gilman on the day of the event. Come into
the school by DOOR #20 around the back of the school. We will have 12 parking spaces
saved for us. Please join us for a delicious lunch! ~Priscilla Pettis~
The Bellman
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May 2017
Of North Congregational Church of Portsmouth, United Church of Christ
May 21, 2017 ~ 11:15AM
North Church Parish House
The Annual Meeting of North Church of Portsmouth, United Church of Christ will be held
Sunday, May 21, 2017, at 11:15 am at the Parish House on 355 Spinney Road, Portsmouth
NH, in the Fellowship Hall. The purpose of the meeting will be to address the following
items:
1.
2.
3.
4.
To receive the Annual Reports of the Boards and committees.
To receive and act upon the Slate of Officers from the Membership Committee.
To discuss and act upon the budget for fiscal year 2017-2018.
To act upon any other business that is to come before the meeting.
We are celebrating this month along with the members of Marondera
Church. What, you ask? On May 21 Angel Peni will graduate from Spelmen
College in Atlanta Georgia. Arriving from Zimbabwe a few days before will
be her mother, Christine Peni. Christine will be there for Class Day, Baccalaureate and Graduation over the course of that weekend. Betty Gilman and
her daughter, Traci will attend graduation and plan to spend some time with Christine and
Angel. In honor of this achievement, there will be a card available on May 7 and 14 for everyone to send Angel greetings and congratulations from North Church.
In addition, Betty will be taking mail for Christine to hand carry back to Marondera. The last
time we sent mail was before Christmas. It is time to start writing and have you letters ready
by May 14. Letters may be left in the covered basket at the Parish House foyer anytime over
the next two weeks. If you haven’t ever written, please feel free to do so this time.
On April 4, a letter from Kate Mabumbo arrived via email. She sent greetings to all North
Church members and reported that all are fine in Marondera. She stated, “I am happy to inform you that the construction of our church building has taken up a step now. We have begun building up the walls……We are now waiting for the council inspectors to approve the stage we are now at so that we can move ahead with the work being
done.” Three pictures are now posted on the bulletin board in the Fellowship
Hall. She also sent a video clip that shows the women’s group, Ruwadzano,
preparing a traditional dish which is difficult to share, but feel free to ask Betty
Gilman. You may well recognize the tool they are using!
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North Church of Portsmouth is said to always be locked
and not available to everyone. Did you know that it is
open to the public during the summer time? Yes, we hold
Sunday morning church service at 10:00 AM. In addition
last summer we were open each Saturday afternoon for
visitors to come into the sanctuary. On display are sever-
al pictures, a video showing pictures over the years, and
the opportunity to climb to the clock level.
Several years ago, Tim Cushing organize the materials
and guides that are used. In the last few years, Phil Pettis organized several of us to
carry on the tradition. In addition, Phil and Peter Corti have been the guides that climb
to the clock with small groups. Under the direction of these two members, several
people have filled the role of guides/greeters. Many will continue this coming summer,
but we would like to offer the opportunity to everyone.
We have opened the Market Square Sanctuary every Saturday between July 4th and
Labor Day. The hours have been 4:00 – 6:00 PM and will most likely continue. Truth
in advertising, we arrive earlier to open and set up and leave once everything is put
away and closed up. It is helpful to have someone at the door to greet people and offer the climb to the clock. Another person is within the sanctuary to chat with folks and
answer questions and a couple of folks willing to climb to the clock multiple times. We
will plan on doing a brief training session so that all functions smoothly. If you have
questions and/or wish to volunteer, please feel free to speak with Phil Pettis, Peter
Corti, Peter Kinner, or Betty Gilman. You may reach Phil at [email protected] or
Betty at [email protected].
Hopefully this will encourage you to join us as we continue to open our doors for all!
May 2017
The Bellman
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MISSIONS
The Mission Board of North Church is
May 2017
NEWS
SEACOAST FOOD PANTRY - Donation Schedule
continuing to support programs at SFFP this
Month
year. The Board will suggest a food item(s) & a
May
personal care item for donation each month. As
always, food and personal care items may be June
brought to the Parish House on Spinney Rd at
any time & placed in the bookcase in the foyer.
Food Item
Unsweetened Applesauce
Personal Care Item
Toothpaste
100% Fruit Juice boxes
Toilet paper
Thank you for your April donations of pop-top cans of tuna and chicken
and facial tissues. These items and a variety of others from the “wish
list” were delivered to SFFP. Your donations from February/March
were valued at $130.40. Your generosity is always appreciated! All donations are welcome and needed at the pantry. The following NEW
ITEMS that are on the pantry’s wish list: peanut butter, 100% fruit jelly,
decaf coffee, whole grain crackers, 100% fruit juice (and juice boxes for
kids), soups (chunky w/meat), shelf stable milk, tuna, granola bars, extra virgin olive oil, tomato sauce, brown rice and other whole grains,
canned and dried beans, preferably whole grain pasta, instant oatmeal, instant cream of wheat, oatmeal,
low-sugar cereals, small portion pop-top cans tuna and chicken, applesauce, animal crackers, and Ensure/Boost type nutrition drinks. SFFP does not accept out-of-date items.
Ditty Bag Project: Many thanks for your continued support of this important Mission Board
project! We were able to fill ten ditty bags, made by Carolyn Layton, and provide a number of
extra items to Seafarer’s Friend for distribution to sailors who come to our shores from many
distant parts of the world. Your generosity will remind these men that they are appreciated and
cared for by North Church. The ditty bags will be dedicated during worship on Sunday, May 7th
and delivered to the Portsmouth Seafarer’s Friend office later in the month.
North Church Helps Fire Victims
As a result of the recent fire on State Street here in Portsmouth, the Mission Board voted to donate $500
from the Benevolence Fund to GoFundMe for the State Street Saloon Employees and Residents.
The donation was sent from “your friends at North Church” to assist those directly impacted by this devastating event. If you wish to make a personal donation, please visit the GoFundMe site.
Common Cathedral
On a warm and sunny April 2nd, our Mission Board sponsored a trip to Common Cathedral in Boston,
which was a huge success! Under the leadership of Karen Conway, and through the generosity of many
people at North Church, enough food was donated to make sandwiches and provide chips and cookies to
feed 150 people.
A special thanks to those who helped prepare lunch on Sunday morning: Rev. Carolyn
Keilig, Priscilla Pettis, Marcia Leach, Pete and Betsy Kinner, Kim Quinty, Gail Darrow,
Karen Conway, & Pam Woodward. The following people traveled to Boston to serve
lunch on behalf of North Church: Karen Conway, Kim Quinty, Liz Good, Gail Darrow,
and Pete Kinner.
Be thinking about the ways you can support individuals and families in need in our community.
Your generosity is always greatly appreciated!
The Bellman
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MISSIONS
NEWS
May 2017
Church World Service (CWS) Blankets Offering
“Comfort in times of crisis”
Help people around the world recover from disasters and get a fresh start through
the CWS Blankets program. For over 60 years, CWS has worked in partnership with
local communities to identify their needs and access the resources they need to build
the foundation for a more viable future.
In the weeks leading up to Mother’s Day, monetary donations in any amount are being accepted. Please make checks payable to North Church of Portsmouth with
CWS Blankets written on the memo line. Cash should be placed in an envelope
marked CWS Blankets. You may choose to take a CWS offering envelope for your check or cash
donation. These can be found attached to the sample blanket in the foyer of the Parish House.
Donations should be placed in the offering plate on Sunday mornings. The Mission Board will also
have a table set up in the Parish House on Sunday, May 7th if you wish to donate at that time.
If you wish to make your donation “In Honor of” or “In Memory of” a special woman in your life,
please write the name of whom you wish to honor/memorialize on a note, along with your name, and
include it with your donation. The list of names will be published in the Mother’s Day Sunday bulletin.
*******************************************************************************
Church World Service (CWS) Tools Offering
“Empowering Families. Strengthening Communities.”
Our congregation’s support can change lives! Contributions to CWS Tools mean Church World Service will be ready to help families around the world. CWS will be there to help people gain the resources and develop the skills necessary to build – or rebuild – sustainable lives and communities.
Help us reach our goal of $350!
Here are some of the ways your support plays out in real life:
*providing refugees resettling far from their homelands the gardening tools and materials to build
raised beds for vegetables
*providing funds for fishing boats helps fishermen build sustainable livelihoods and provide for
their families
*providing funds for tools, seeds and microcredit loans for members of CWS supported agricultural coops in rural, poverty-prone communities in Haiti helps build viable communities
In the weeks leading up to Father’s Day, monetary donations in any amount are being accepted.
Please make checks payable to North Church with CWS Tools written on the memo line. Cash
should be placed in an envelope marked CWS Tools. You may choose to take a CWS Tools offering envelope for your check or cash donation. These can be found by the Mission Board poster in
the foyer of the Parish House.
Donations should be placed in the offering plate on Sunday mornings or sent to the church office.
If you wish to make your donation “In Honor of” or “In Memory of” a special man in your life, please
write the name of whom you wish to honor/memorialize on a note, along with your name, and include
it with your donation. The list of names will be published in the Father’s Day Sunday bulletin.
On Sundays June 4th and June 11th, the Mission Board will have a table set up in the Parish House
if you wish to make a donation at that time.
Thank you for your support of this important mission. Help us help individuals and families
develop the skills necessary to build sustainable lives and communities!
The Bellman
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May 2017
Birthdays
5/1
Kevin Pizz
5/2
Michele McCann-Corti
5/2
Anniversaries
5/17
Thomas & Christine Casa
Sam Lampert
5/20
Paul & Diane Geraci
5/6
Ralph Woodman
5/20
John & Beth Melita
5/7
Fred Bisset
5/25
Craig & Christine Hodgson
5/8
Ann Grimbilas
5/25
Alan & Melissa Robinson
5/8
Peter Robinson
5/9
Julia Gobbi
5/28
Charlie & Laura Coleman
5/29
Fred & Lisa Mauer
5/10 Liz Good
5/15 Pauline Lampert
Chef Salad on-a-stick
5/16 Alan Robinson
5/17 Mark Shaw
5/18 Lee Appel
5/19 Debra Jones
5/23 James Enright
5/23 Erica Ojougboh
5/25 Tracie Gallagher
5/28 Cole Brown
5/29 Becca Day
5/30 Connie Clark
•
•
•
• Four slices Black Forest or Honey Ham
• Four Slices Provolone Cheese
• Four slices Roasted or Smoked Turkey Breast
• Four slices Cheddar Cheese
• Eight slices Genoa Salami
• 16 grape or cherry tomatoes
cucumber, cut in quarters lengthwise and sliced
Leaf Romaine, or your favorite lettuce
Honey Mustard Dip or your favorite dip or salad dressing
Instructions
Lay a slice of ham, provolone, turkey, cheddar and two slices
salami on a cutting board.
Starting with the long side, roll up tightly and cut into four
pieces.
Slide a cherry tomato, piece of cucumber, one rollup of meat
and cheese, and a small piece of lettuce on a toothpick. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Serve with dip or dressing.
The Bellman
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May 2017
Ms. Brenda Delfino
Administrative Assistant: Ms. Donna T.
Director of Music Ministry: Mr. Nathan
Amsden
Custodian: Mr. Paul Gobbi
May 2017
Open and Affirming Covenant
We, the members of North Church of Portsmouth welcome all
people to be faithful followers of God and the teachings of Jesus
Christ with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We believe we should
reach out and be open to all people. Therefore, this Open and Affirming statement expresses that which is accepted by our congregation.
"The first [commandment] is . . . 'You shall love The Lord your
God with all your soul, and with all your mind, with all your
strength.' The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as
yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than
these." (Mark 12:29-31).
Therefore, we work together to support our members, the community and those seeking a place in God's family with the understanding that each is unique. We welcome people of any race,
creed, color, age, gender identity and gender expression, sexual
orientation, economic status, marital status, physical, emotional,
mental capacity and those in relationships recognized under
God's law.
North Church of Portsmouth, UCC
355 Spinney Road
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Church Sanctuary
Market Square, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Church Office
Parish House
355 Spinney Road
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603.436.9109 phone
603.436.6744 fax
Sunday Worship
Worship is held at the Parish House at 10am.
Select Sundays are held at the Market Square
Bldg. A complete list is located on the website.
Fellowship Time
Following 10:00 am Parish House Service
Church School
11:15 am Parish House (Sept - June)
North Church Staff’
Interim Pastor: Rev. Carolyn H. Keilig
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North Church of Portsmouth is an Open and
Affirming Church of the United Church of Christ
Return Service Requested
The Bellman